This is a rare time in history for transformative opportunity. Drugs can now be seen for what they are: poisons/weapons. The days of occasional carefree ‘recreational’ drug use are over. The chemicals have proven to be too strong, addictive, unpredictable and deadly. The party dealer is now the death dealer. With the proper education the lengthy US drug epidemic could reshape how our youth view illicit drugs. After loosing their friends, parents, and siblings to drugs, the youth of America can change their curiosity and acceptance towards drugs.
This National drug tragedy has gone on and increased in severity since the 1960’s. The loss of over 1,000,000 American Citizens to poisonings and overdose has claimed more young lives than all of our wars combined since 1917 with World War I . This weaponization of illicit drugs has touched all families and could break the generational cycle of repeated drug use, crime and incarceration in families.
There is no safe/fun drug use anymore.
With the proper education of our 1st- 12th grade students the dangers of drugs can be reinforced yearly. Better holistic education can be introduced to kids for mental health, coping skills, stress and pain management. Online safety should be addressed to protect kids from unsuspecting dangers.
Our continued humanitarian movement of compassion and dignity can transform the lives of many adults who have fallen victim to the chemicals. Communities can ban together, reach out and inform hospitals and healthcare about the latest less restrictive Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) rules changed by the DEA since 2023.
Emergency Rooms can now administer the first dose of MAT (medication assisted treatment) like Buprenorphine for OUD opioid use disorder like they were ordered to do with the 2018 CA Bridge Program. They can then transfer them to a rehab facilities for safety and care.
Various programs such as ‘Care Court’, ‘The HEAL Program’, ‘Blue HART Program’, ‘Denver Cares’ have started helping people recover and get MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) while incarcerated or transient.
Please research these programs, reach out, and start one in your community. Some ideas that would be beneficial to help the affected and your community are: To decrease recidivism teach life skills, health training ,mental health, and the effects of the drugs/chemicals on the brain and body should be taught. Knowledge is power. Continuance of education while incarcerated should be encouraged. Employment skills training programs should be incorporated into these programs to ensure success and independence after incarceration. Free education classes in the community and jails to receive your GED and Associates Degree. Faith based programs engaging in the rehabilitation and incarceration, offer guidance, support and hope. Provide 24/7, staffed with licensed healthcare professionals, walk-in SUD Medication Assisted Treatment facilities. No waiting for treatment any more.
Citizens can write to their Senator, Representative and Head of State about the grave threat to the US this inflow of addictive/deadly poisons are.
Local governments should apply for Federal reimbursement funding for the expensed burdens from this epidemic happening since 2013. The Obama/Biden Administrations caused this epidemic from neglecting to take action when they were first warned. The Administration did not warn the citizens that all the illicit drug supply was being laced with highly addictive chemicals. This is a National level attack on our Country and should be financially supported for the local recovery efforts and expenses. This should be treated like COVID was. An intentional injury to our citizens by the PRC. It did not have to explode and get out of hand like this. If we were told the truth in 2013 then we could have prevented and received treatment years ago or not started at all.
The reason the public knows about fentanyl, has narcan available, have laws changing for better law enforcement and healthcare is because of the community members getting involved. You really are making a difference. Continue to make your community great again. The Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) 2018-2024 encourages successful individuals in recovery to assist others. These programs highlight the fact that the healthcare system alone isn’t what is going to get these populations help. It’s the people with the lived experience helping to lift others and guide better solutions.
This National Drug Crisis has caused great tragedy. At the same time now we have a great opportunity. We can use this opportunity to change the future projection of our communities and society to increase families being together, safety, health, productivity and happiness for our future – living drug free.
-Karrie Raglin, Austin Majors Mom
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/10/modernizing-conservatorship-law-sb43/ treatment#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMedication%2Dassisted%20treatment%20helps%20those,the%20country%20who%20needs%20it.%E2%80%9Dhttps://www.denverhealth.org/services/community-health/denver-cares-withdrawal-management-drug-alcohol-rehab